Eastern Avenue

The Numbers
Home Buyer Report: £400
Refurbishment Costs: £85,000
Architect: £10,000
Furniture: £5,000
Annual Rental Income: £30,000 pa

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The brief

Designing a High-Quality HMO within Council Limits

Our job was to design a high-quality HMO that would maintain the original roofline and overall character while providing 10 en-suite rooms for single and double occupancy. The design needed to fit within the council’s planning policies, so we needed to be prepared to make adjustments throughout the process. Flexibility was key. We collaborated closely with the client so that we met each of the requirements while bringing our own design suggestions and flair to the project.

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The challenges

Overcoming Planning Hurdles and Space Constraints

Initially, the proposed extensions and modifications were ‘too bulky’ for the council. To find common ground, we revised our plans, reducing extension sizes and preserving the original roof shape. This required reducing the number of bedrooms, but by incorporating some double rooms, we managed to create enough room for a 10-occupant HMO. The property was also in an Article 4 area, which always comes with its own set of hurdles. The council made it clear they wanted to retain its use as a care home, so we had to demonstrate that the current lease was set to expire anyway, given that the care facility was due to move to a new location the following year. After persistent negotiations, we secured approval for the redesign, achieving a balance that satisfied both the council’s concerns and our client’s vision.

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